Under the Sea: Crabs

Scientific Name: Brachyura

Crabs have a very short tail which is actually hidden under its thorax. They have a hard exoskeleton and a pair of claws. They are found all over the world's tropical regions especially on rocky seashores and most of the Crabs live on freshwater. Crabs also have many colors and sizes depending on their type of species. They are found since the Jurassic ages and are believed that they exist since in the beginning of time. It is easy to distinguish between male Crabs from female Crabs because males have pointed abdomens while the females have a rounder shape. Male Crabs have larger claws or pincers compared to females. Crabs walk sideways because of the formation of the leg joints but some crabs walk forward. Crabs eat plankton, algae and sometimes they eat fungi.

Crabs have Omega-3 which is good for the heart because it contains fatty acids that helps smoothen the blood flow to prevent blood clot. Crabs also contain Insulin and Chromium that helps prevent diabetes. It contains Selenium which is an anti-cancer agent.

Crabs are often used in culinary for centuries. Crabs are made into many types of dishes such as Crab Cakes, Stuffed Crabs, Crab Dips, Baked Crabs and many more. Crab roe or eggs are also added into sushi such as Calinfornia Maki. Crabs are also made into flavorings for chips.